Guide to Gum Disease

What is Gum Disease & How It Happens

Gum disease (also known as periodontal disease) refers to a range of conditions from mild inflammation of the gums (gingivitis) through to more serious damage to the gum tissue and bone supporting your teeth (periodontitis).

How it develops:

Stage	What’s happening
Plaque build-up	Bacteria in plaque accumulate on teeth and along gum lines.
Gingivitis	Gums become red, swollen, and bleed easily. This is reversible with good care.
Early periodontitis	The bacteria advance, causing pockets between teeth and gums; bone loss may begin.
Advanced periodontitis	Significant bone and tissue damage; teeth may loosen or shift. Risk of tooth loss increases.

Risk factors include poor oral hygiene, smoking, genetic predisposition, certain health conditions (e.g. diabetes), hormonal changes, inadequate nutrition, and some medications.

How You Know You Have Gum Disease

Watch for these signs:

• Gums that are red, swollen or tender
• Gums that bleed during brushing or flossing
• Persistent bad breath or bad taste in the mouth
• Receding gums — teeth look longer than before
• Formation of deep pockets between teeth and gums
• Loose, shifting or separating teeth
• Changes in bite or how your teeth fit together

If you notice one or more of those, it’s time to act — sooner is much better than later.

Preventing Gum Disease

Prevention is always cheaper, easier, and more comfortable than treatment. Key prevention strategies include:

• Brushing teeth twice a day with a soft-bristled brush
• Daily flossing or using interdental cleaners
• Using an antiseptic or therapeutic mouthwash (if recommended)
• Regular dental check-ups and professional cleanings (usually every 6 months, or more often if you’re at higher risk)
• Avoiding tobacco and limiting sugar intake
• Keeping systemic health in check (managing diabetes etc.)
• Eating a balanced diet rich in vitamins C, D, calcium

Things You Can Do at Home to Improve Gum Disease

If you’re already noticing early signs of gum disease, there’s a lot you can do yourself to halt or reverse progress:

• Increase the frequency of brushing (after meals if possible)
• Use a proper technique: gentle, circular motions, 45-degree angle toward the gum line
• Floss daily and consider interdental brushes
• Rinse with an antimicrobial mouthwash to reduce bacteria
• Use an electric toothbrush (many people find these more effective)
• Apply a soft-tissue massage (carefully) to improve gum circulation
• Stop smoking, reduce alcohol, improve nutrition

Regular self-checks (looking for bleeding, changes in gum line, swelling etc.) help you catch changes early.

What Your Dentist Can Do to Heal Gum Disease

Treatment	What It Involves
Professional cleaning (prophylaxis)	Removal of plaque and tartar above and just below the gumline.
Scaling & Root Planing (deep clean)	Cleaning in gum pockets; smoothing root surfaces so gums reattach.
Periodontal maintenance	More frequent cleanings after treatment to prevent recurrence.
Gum surgery / flap surgery	Lifting gums to clean deeper, reduce pocket depth in advanced cases.
Bone grafting / tissue regeneration	Using grafts to regenerate lost bone and support structures.
Laser treatments	Targeted therapy to kill bacteria and promote healing (if available)

How Gum Disease Affects Overall Health

Gum disease doesn’t just stay in your mouth. Because your gums are highly vascular (full of blood vessels), bacteria and toxins from inflamed gum tissue can enter the bloodstream and travel throughout the body. Over time, this can contribute to wider health concerns.

Key links between gum disease and general health:

• Heart health – Studies show a strong connection between periodontal disease and heart disease. The inflammation caused by gum disease can increase the risk of clogged arteries, heart attack, and stroke.
• Diabetes – Gum disease can make blood sugar levels harder to control, while diabetes itself increases the risk of gum infection. It’s a two-way relationship that requires careful management.
• Respiratory problems – Harmful bacteria in the mouth can be inhaled into the lungs, potentially contributing to respiratory infections, pneumonia, or worsening existing conditions.
• Pregnancy outcomes – Pregnant women with untreated gum disease may have a higher risk of premature birth or low-birth-weight babies.
• Overall inflammation – Chronic gum inflammation adds to the body’s overall “inflammatory load,” which can negatively affect many systems, from immune response to healing ability.

Why this matters

Keeping gums healthy isn’t just about avoiding tooth loss or bad breath — it’s an important step in protecting your long-term overall health. Regular dental visits, proper home care, and early treatment of gum disease can help reduce risks far beyond your smile. Early treatment is important because it:

• Preserves teeth and jawbone
• Prevents pain and discomfort
• Reduces risk of systemic health issues
• Improves breath and smile aesthetics
• Saves money on major treatments

What to Do Next

• Schedule an exam at Choice Dental.
• Get a personalised treatment plan.
• Commit to daily brushing, flossing, and mouth rinses.
• Follow through with professional cleanings or therapies.

If you think you might have gum disease, or just want to keep your gums healthy, Book an Appointment with Choice Dental or call us on (07) 3809-3320.